Two historic sites, one exceptional caterer, amazing events

The Mint and the Justice & Police Museum in Sydney take on a new flavour with Restaurant Associates (RA) having recently taken over as hospitality partner of these two historic venues that belong to Sydney Living Museums’ (SLM) collection of houses and museums.

RA brings an exciting new team headed by Unit Manager for both sites, Nic Whalley, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry who is passionate about food and beverage, its presentation and service. His flawless credentials include Merivale, Otto Ristorante, Tetsuya, Rockpool, Macquarie Group and Deutsche Bank. Menu creation is led by Sebastien Lutaud, General Manager Cuisine for RA, whose achievements include the hatted Astral fine diner and the very successful hatted Felix Bistro.

Together with the SLM venues team, they are introducing many innovations to the unique events held in these exquisite properties from stylish wedding offers and bespoke dining experiences to revised corporate packages and on trend cocktail parties. This innovation will be showcased at The Mint in March and the Justice & Police Museum (JPM) in April.

Each showcase will be tailored to the site and will inspire all who attend.

The Mint’s rich heritage and award-winning contemporary architecture will be featured to full advantage with a sophisticated soiree befitting its CBD location.

This event heralds a year-long schedule of activities for The Mint, from seasonal dinners, a son et lumiere show to support Vivid, cocktails for the designers of Fashion Week and, Melbourne Cup celebrations with a leading fashion magazine.

The JPM launch will be full of surprise and intrigue befitting a building that’s seen it all! An underworld speakeasy den will be created for the night emulating the dark side of Sydney’s murky past inspired by the Museum’s permanent exhibition City of Shadows.

This sets the tone for the year’s promotions, which will include a ‘who done it?’ social media campaign and a series of ‘Unlock the Mystery’ dinners.

“Our aim is to consistently activate these sites and maintain SLM’s aim of bringing to life Sydney’s living history in these significant historic places,” notes Deborah Kemp, General Manager of RA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Restaurant Associates to The Mint and the Justice & Police Museum, and to be working with them to deliver innovative events inspired by the colourful histories of our properties.”

“Finding a partner to help us maximise the full potential of these important historic venues was always our aim, Restaurant Associates have just the credentials to help us bring this vision to life,” says Mark Goggin, Director of Sydney Living Museums.